Known amongst Malaysian sports riders as the “Rabbit”, the Honda CBR1000RR, also known as the Fireblade, has a sterling reputation. The ante has now been upped with the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, drawing on Honda Racing Corporation’s experience in MotoGP, where it has amassed the most class wins.

Destined from the outset to compete in the World Superbike Championship, the CBR1000RR-R uses a chassis and bodywork derived from the Honda RC213V-S race replica with the inline-four engine producing 214 hp at 14,500 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 12,500 rpm. Race technology is liberally applied in the CBR1000RR-R with the use of titanium connecting rods, forged pistons and finger-follower rocker arms for valve actuation.

The frame looks like it’s been taken off the MotoGP grid, made from aluminium allow and increased rigidity in the vertical plane as well as torsional resistance but with more ‘give’ in the horizontal to boost grip and feel. The swingarm of the 2021 Fireblade is also longer than before to increase stability and is made from 18 individual pieces of alloy welded together.

Naturally a full suite of rider aids accompanies the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HTSC), power, engine braking and wheelie control with the addition of start mode for those holeshot starts. Also in the fit out is a three-level electronic steering damper made by Showa for Honda, up-and-down quickshifter and second generation Ohlins electronic suspension.

Braking is done with Brembo Stylema callipers on 330 mm diameter discs and two-level ABS is standard. Aerodynamic sensibility pervades the new Fireblade with the rider position designed for pure racetrack work, aided by winglets on the sides of the fairing for downforce at speed.

No word yet on pricing for the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade but we can safely assume it won’t be far off what is being asked for machines like the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Delivery for the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is expected in June of 2020 and with colour options being HRC racing livery in red, white and blue or Black.

-paultan